Should I Dry Clothes On High Heat?
When it comes to doing laundry, one of the most common questions people ask is whether they should dry clothes on high heat or not. The truth is, it depends on a few factors.
High heat can be beneficial when drying certain types of clothing, but it can also cause damage to others. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of drying clothes on high heat and help you decide which option is best for you and your clothes.
What is High Heat in Drying?
Before we get into the details of high-heat drying, it’s important to understand what it is. High heat in drying refers to using the highest setting on your dryer, which typically ranges from 150 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
While high heat may help dry your clothes faster, it also exposes them to higher temperatures, which can have negative effects on certain materials.
Pros of Drying Clothes on High Heat
1. Faster Drying Time: One of the main advantages of using high heat is that it dries clothes faster. This is especially useful if you need your clothes dry quickly, or if you have a large load of laundry to do.
2. Reduced Wrinkles: High heat can also help reduce wrinkles in clothes. The heat causes the fibers in the fabric to relax, making the clothes easier to iron or wear straight out of the dryer.
3. Kills Germs and Bacteria: High heat can effectively kill germs and bacteria on clothes. This is beneficial if you have someone in your household who is sick, or if you want to ensure that your clothes are as clean as possible.
Cons of Drying Clothes on High Heat
1. Fading and Color Damage: High heat can cause colors to fade and damage the fibers in certain fabrics. This is especially true for delicate fabrics like silk or wool.
2. Shrinking: High heat can cause clothes to shrink, making them too small to wear. This is a common problem with cotton and wool fabrics.
3. Damage to Elastic and Zippers: High heat can damage or melt elastic and zippers on clothing items. This can lead to permanent damage, which may require you to replace the item.
When to Use High Heat
Based on the pros and cons above, it’s clear that high heat is not suitable for all clothing items. So, when should you use high heat to dry your clothes?
1. Towels and Bedding: Towels and bedding items should be dried on high heat. This not only helps dry them faster, but also removes any bacteria or germs that may be present.
2. Cotton Clothes: Cotton clothes can be dried on high heat, but only for a short amount of time. Be sure to monitor the dryer carefully to avoid shrinkage or damage.
3. Thick Clothing: Thick clothing items like jackets and sweaters can be dried on high heat, but again, make sure to monitor the dryer for any signs of damage.
When Not to Use High Heat
Now that you know when it’s okay to use high heat, let’s take a look at when you should avoid it.
1. Delicate Clothing: Delicate clothing items like silk or wool should never be dried on high heat. The heat can damage the fibers and cause shrinkage or fading.
2. Clothes with Elastic or Zippers: Clothing items with elastic or zippers should also be dried on low heat. High heat can damage or melt these materials, causing permanent damage.
3. Clothes with Color: Clothes with bright colors or patterns should be dried on low heat as well. High heat can cause colors to fade, making the item look dull and worn.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not you should dry clothes on high heat depends on the type of clothing you have. While high heat can be beneficial for certain items, it can also cause damage to others.
It’s essential to take the time to read the labels on your clothing items and adjust your dryer settings accordingly. By doing so, you can ensure that your clothes last longer and look their best.
By following the guidelines outlined above, you can determine whether high heat is the right option for you and your clothing items. Always remember to check the label on each item for drying instructions, and adjust your dryer settings accordingly.